Cleveland holds a 2-1 series advantage over Toronto as they prepare to play at the Coca-Cola Coliseum tonight at 7 PM ET. A win could propel the Monsters to the Eastern Conference Finals.
AHL Morning Skate Highlights: May 22, 2026
After a strong start in Game 3, Monsters head coach Trent Vogelhuber emphasized the importance of not chasing games. Cleveland achieved a decisive 4-0 victory, with Sillinger contributing significantly. He opened the scoring just under five minutes into the game, marking the 13th different Monster to score this postseason.
Defensive Excellence
The Monsters’ defense played a crucial role in the victory. Goaltender Zach Sawchenko recorded his first shutout since November 29, 2024, needing only 16 saves. Vogelhuber praised his team’s performance, noting their ability to limit high-danger scoring chances.
- Key Player: Owen Sillinger (1 goal, 2 assists)
- Goaltender: Zach Sawchenko (5-1, 1.58 GAA, .932 SV%)
On the other hand, Toronto’s Marlies have struggled offensively. Coach John Gruden noted the challenge of generating shots, as the team has been held to just 50 shots in the series thus far. The Marlies have not surpassed 20 shots in their last five games.
Players’ Perspectives
Marlies captain Logan Shaw stressed the need for improvement. He acknowledged the quality of their opponent but insisted that they have yet to showcase their best performance. “It’s on us to perform for the full 60 minutes,” he stated.
Western Conference Finals Overview
The Western Conference Finals feature Colorado and Chicago. The best-of-seven series is set to commence next week at Blue Federal Credit Union Arena in Loveland, Colorado. This marks the Wolves’ seventh conference final since joining the AHL in the 2001-02 season.
- Previous Titles: Chicago has won five of their last six conference finals.
- Recent Results: Chicago defeated Grand Rapids 3-2, advancing three games to one.
Interestingly, this postseason marks the second consecutive year where no division winners progressed to the conference finals. The Colorado Eagles are also making their first finals appearance after a successful four-game sweep over Coachella Valley.
Playoff Insights
With both the NHL and AHL showcasing affiliates advancing in their respective conferences, the excitement continues to build as teams compete for the Calder Cup and further playoff glory.
